110 years young

Lara Battersby

On 3rd May 2018, Daisy Bastin celebrated her 110th birthday. Daisy decided that she didn’t want or need any gifts, so it was suggested that her party guests donate to DSAA. Daisy didn’t actually know what the air ambulance was: back in her younger years, even seeing a road ambulance was a rare sight. Then her good friend Bill told her about his experience with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. This is Bill’s story…

“My ‘heavy’ aircraft landing in a remote field left me with concussion and a broken back. Along came the white knights of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. I was not really aware they had arrived, but in no time at all we were in the air. I was looked after, reassured and, 15 minutes later, we were landing at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. The only disappointment was when the friendly and skilled crew politely declined my offer to pilot the helicopter.

“What impressed me most was not only the speed and efficiency of the whole thing, but while I was being dealt with in the busy Accident and Emergency Department, the helicopter brought in at least two other seriously injured people, whose chances of recovery were no doubt maximised by the crew’s superb efforts. There are so many who owe a great debt of gratitude to the air ambulance service and its crews. They need every support we can give them.”

After hearing Bill’s story, Daisy thought donations to this essential service were an excellent idea and with the help of her friends and family raised a fantastic £295.

If you've been inspired by Daisy and Bill's story and would like to help us to continue saving lives, we would be grateful to receive your donation. No matter how big or small, every penny donated really will make a big difference! Thank you.

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Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) is a registered charity, established to provide relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance.

I’m supporting DSAA as they receive no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support. Their operational costs are over £3.5 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000.

On Tuesday 23rd May, Jamie Moran was involved in a quad bike incident on a farm near Beaminster. He was in a remote location with very little access for an ambulance. The Ambulance Service crew who arrived on scene first recognised this fact and swiftly requested that the air ambulance be deployed. Jamie explains more…